BOOK DESCRIPTION

Today’s Essential Guide to Growing Aquarium Plants

From the Publisher of Aquarium Fish Magazine

This compact, richly-illustrated guide explores all aspects of growing and displaying plants in a home aquarium. The emphasis is on presenting key facts and essential guidance in short, easy-to-access notes that build into a wealth of practical information. Harnessing the experience of real experts, the Aquamaster Guides combine stylish design with rock-solid advice.

WITHIN THESE PAGES, LEARN ABOUT:

• Choosing plants
• Feeding
• Ideal conditions
• Jank designs
• Lighting
• Planting
• Suitable Fish
• Using substrates
• Water quality

Keeping plants healthy
ROUTINE TANK MAINTENANCE

DAILY

• Check for any missing livestock, and examine the health of all the fish. Look for red marks on the body and gills, excess mucus, gasping, or unusual behavior.
• Check the water temperature.
• Make sure that the filter(s) and lights are working efficiently.

TWICE WEEKLY

• Gently disturb any fine-leaved plants, such as Cabomba and dense foreground species, such as hairgrass, to remove any trapped detritus, which can hinder photosynthesis.

WEEKLY

• Test the water for nitrites (NO2), nitrates (NO3), pH, and hardness.
• Remove dead leaves and other plant matter.
• Siphon out or remove any mulm from the top layer of substrate and replace the water removed during the process with new, dechlorinated water. This will also constitute a small water change, replacing minerals and helping lower levels of nitrates and phosphates.
• Replenish liquid fertilizers after water changes according to the maker’s instructions.
• Using an algae magnet, pad, or scraper, clean the inside front and side glass, even if little algae is present. This prevents a buildup of algae that can be hard to remove.
• If you have a condensation cover, wipe it clean to avoid a reduction in light penetration.

EVERY TWO WEEKS

• Thoroughly clean half the sponge in the internal filter, using water from the aquarium. Then discard it.

MONTHLY

• Switch off external filters and clean the media in water from the aquarium. Then discard the water.
• Replace any filter foss in an external filter.